Introduced last summer, the hybrid coupe Ferrari 296 GTB just now on the market. Meanwhile, Ferrari announced the second version of this model – a spider with a hard folding roof, which has the brand’s traditional prefix GTS (Gran Turismo Spider). The design of the two-section RHT (Retractable Hard Top) roof of the new Spider is the same as that of the previous 488 Spider models and F8 Spider. Only the shape of the panels has been changed. The servo can fold or raise the roof in 14 seconds at speeds up to 45 km/h.
The engine cover and rear fairing of the spider are, of course, original, although their shape is as close as possible to the original coupe. Therefore, the aerodynamics of the supercar was not affected: the balance of lift and downforce in the GTS version is the same as in the GTB model. The only active aerodynamic element is the aft spoiler, which extends vertically and, when raised, increases downforce by 100 kg.
Technically, the spider is no different from the coupe. Located behind the seats, the V6 3.0 biturbo engine produces 663 hp. and 740 Nm, and the electric motor installed between it and the eight-speed preselective “robot” develops 167 hp. and 315 Nm. The peak power of the hybrid system is 830 “horses”, rear-wheel drive – with an electronically controlled differential.
The capacity of the traction battery located transversely behind the seats is only 7.45 kWh; in the electric eDrive mode, the spider can travel up to 25 km or accelerate to 135 km/h. As for the coupe, the Assetto Fiorano track package is offered for a surcharge. It includes suspension with Multimatic racing shock absorbers, additional aerodynamic elements on the nose, racing seats and Michelin Sport Cup2R tires, and the use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials is expanded in the structure.
The Spider turned out to be 70 kg heavier than the original coupe: dry weight – 1540 kg. For comparison: a mid-engined Ferrari F8 Spider without a hybrid makeweight pulls only 1400 kg. The folding roof did not affect the static weight distribution: 40.5% on the front axle and 59.5% on the rear. Acceleration time to “hundreds” also did not suffer: the same 2.9 s. But the spider gains 200 km / h in 7.6 s versus 7.3 s for the coupe. The maximum speed is over 330 km/h.
The Ferrari 296 GTS will go on sale in the second half of the year. The price has not yet been announced, but the spider will definitely be more expensive than the coupe, for which in Europe they ask from 271 thousand euros.